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When the Detroit Lions selected defensive back Tracy Walker, the general reaction from fans was: “Who?”
But Lions Pro Bowl cornerback Darius Slay was not only familiar with the pick, he’s actually cousins with him. Both Slay and Walker grew up in the same town of Brunswick, Georgia. The two graduated from Brunswick HIgh School—along with Seahawks cornerback Justin Coleman—and the two will now play for the Detroit Lions.
“Justin and I went to high school together, so we have a good relationship, and Darius and I always communicate, he always keeps up with me,” Walked told Southern Pigskin.
Slay is obviously pretty close to Walker. Here’s what Slay tweeted just hours before the draft began on Thursday:
Can’t wait to see Lil cuz dreams come true this weekend @TracyWalkerIII #NFLDraft
— Darius Slay (@_bigplayslay23) April 26, 2018
It’s pretty remarkable that three different defensive backs from the same high school will all be playing in the NFL at the exact same time.
Did Darius Slay have a hand in this pick? We won’t know until the team addresses the media, but for now, Slay is pretty excited:
Yes sir the wick is in the building.... welcome fam @TracyWalkerIII this is crazy.....
— Darius Slay (@_bigplayslay23) April 28, 2018
UPDATE: It turns out Slay and Walker are actually “second cousins” according to Walker, not just friends.